When the doors open to Amusement Expo in March, the National Bulk Vendors Association will be a central figure at coin-op's biggest trade show. The super show in Las Vegas will not only feature the full range of coin-operated music and games, but will also highlight the best in bulk vending.

At its current planning stage, the bulk vending industry will get its own pavilion in the Las Vegas Convention Center near the center of the show floor. NBVA said it is putting the final touches on its seminar program and will divulge more information in January.

"It's going to be great," said NBVA president Bernard Schwarzli, Beaver Machine Corp. "As far as NBVA attendees go, they'll be able to go to the bulk vending pavilion in the center of the exhibit area, and they'll be able to walk the entire show. This should give them an opportunity to explore ideas that could help expand their businesses beyond bulk vending, and share ideas with operators in other coin-op segments."

The NBVA president says there will be other benefits. In addition to the diversified exhibitor base, he instanced, participants of both shows will have access to each show's educational programs.

"It's a tough time for the coin-op industry as a whole, hence the reason a few associations decided to share the show," Schwarzli said. "It benefits the operator and it benefits the exhibitor with increased attendees."

"The concurrent Amusement Expo and NBVA trade show will take place from March 1 to 3.